Publishers Weekly
07/31/2023
Katz’s unfocused debut reunites childhood best friends turned enemies Liyah Cohen-Jackson and Daniel Rosenberg. The pair first bonded as two of the only people of color at their Jewish summer camp and shared a memorable kiss. Unfortunately, Liyah is convinced that Daniel gossiped about making out with her the next day and then stole her ideas for a campwide competition—and she’s held a grudge for 14 years. It’s a fairly mild offense, and Katz wisely has Daniel prove his innocence early into the couple’s reunion. Once this flimsy premise is out of the way, however, the plot meanders. The couple are thrown back together when Daniel, a digital marketing strategist, is hired to help Chicago’s Field Museum, where Liyah works, and though both are now ready to explore their relationship, they worry about mixing business and pleasure. The stakes of this workplace flirtation feel low, as it’s unclear how fraternizing would threaten either character’s career. Meanwhile, a late reveal about Liyah’s traumatic past adds depth and emotion, but feels a bit abrupt. Despite this uneven plotting, the characters themselves charm, and Katz admirably surrounds her protagonists with a very diverse found family. There are some good ideas here, but they don’t quite come together. Agent: Jessica Mileo, InkWell. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
Library Journal Debut of the Month
Goodreads, "A Look Ahead at This Year's Big Fall Romances"
Lambda Literary Review, "September's Most Anticipated List"
"[An] excellent, multilayered look at the experiences of Jews of color in this deftly woven story...Katz successfully portrays how romance meets real life in this terrific debut." - Library Journal (starred review)
"“Katz uses the interesting world of museum curating to introduce a refreshing and unique point of view on finding love and second chances.” - Booklist
"Impossible to put down! A delicious pressure-cooker-style slow burn of a romance, Thank You for Sharing contains the greatest ‘only one bed’ scene I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Not only is the romance delightful, but Rachel Runya Katz handles the complexity of grief and trauma with the tenderest of touches, creating a safe, welcoming space for her characters and readers alike. I have no doubt that readers will fall head over heels for Liyah and Daniel!" - Alexandria Bellefleur, bestselling, Lambda award-winning author of Written in the Stars and The Fiancée Farce
"Rachel Runya Katz's witty, heartfelt debut will transport you back to the lazy days of summer camp crushes and breathless first kisses. Thank You For Sharing combines steamy, electric chemistry with thoughtful social commentary to create an unforgettable love story. This sexy, sweet romance is a delight." - Regina Black, author of The Art of Scandal
"This is a funny, gentle, friends-to-lovers story that lingers in the quiet moments and lets the reader bathe in the romance that burns slow—but oh-so-hot. A perfect read to escape into on a rainy day and be bear-hugged in your feelings places... even if you, like hesitantly thawing heroine Liyah, insist you don't have them." - Jen Comfort, author of The Astronaut and the Star
"Rachel Runya Katz’s Thank You for Sharing is a magical love story. This is a poignant, sharp and sexy romance with the kind of complex, big-hearted characters and emotional honesty readers will adore. I loved it!" - Carley Fortune, New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After
"Thank You for Sharing is one of those books where someone will get to see themselves reflected on the page for the first time, whether in the complications of being a Jew of color, or the validation of a prickly, proud woman being fully loved for, not in spite of, her prickliness. Daniel and Liyah are both so fully drawn, and their story will stick with me for a long time. I'm so glad it exists." - Anita Kelly, author of Love & Other Disasters
"This book wrapped a fist around my heart and refused to let go. Gorgeously written, with two magnetic leads, an irresistible group of friends, and a warmth that radiates from every page. Rachel Runya Katz is a true talent." - Rachel Lynn Solomon, New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk
"I can’t wait for everyone to fall head-over-heels for Thank You For Sharing. Rachel Runya Katz has a sparkling, singular voice: witty, observant, razor-sharp and devastatingly tender. I treasured every moment I spent with Daniel, Liyah, and the rest of the vivid, complex supporting cast. This book is a gift." - Ava Wilder, author of How To Fake It In Hollywood
Library Journal
★ 08/01/2023
DEBUT Daniel and Liyah, ex-friends from childhood, must navigate old wounds, professional problems, and their lives as Jews of color while tentatively forming a friendship that blossoms into something more in Katz's excellent debut. Liyah is still angry about her and Daniel's tween summer camp fling gone sour, but in order to get promoted at the Chicago museum where she is employed, she has to work with him. As they reconnect over museum business and Friday night drinks with their friends, standoffish and suspicious Liyah slowly softens toward Daniel as he falls head-over-heels. The pair deal with their tragedies and traumas in a realistic way, making their happily-ever-after that much more rewarding. While their romance is the central plot of the book, a supporting cast of flawed but supportive friends will leave readers wanting sequels. They will also appreciate the excellent, multilayered look at the experiences of Jews of color in this deftly woven story. VERDICT Katz successfully portrays how romance meets real life in this terrific debut.—Jenny Kobiela-Mondor
MARCH 2024 - AudioFile
Tyla Collier and Raymond Lee offer a spicy yet sweet performance in this fun romance. Liyah and Daniel bump into each other as adults, and it seems that Liyah hasn't forgiven Daniel for a mysterious mistake during their childhood. But she needs Daniel's help so she can secure her dream job as a museum curator, and a bumpy romance blossoms. Both characters are Jewish people of color, as are several secondary characters. The narrators are excellent at juggling all the characters while maintaining the story's pace. Collier and Lee sound very natural, and the quick cuts among perspectives without interrupting the story's flow are impressive. A unique story with solid production value. G.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
